Final thing

Before coming to the Playground, I was at least familiar with most of the Web 2.0 things it covers. However, going through the exercises allowed me to explore many of them in depth. That has been a very useful exercise. I'm not sure whether I'll start using any of these resources on a regular basis. But, good to know what's on offer.

I've been impressed with how fruitful the exercise has been at Parkgate for staff members who, though familiar with the Internet, have never had a chance to check out many of the Web 2.0 applications covered on the Playground. Doing these exercises as a group has been motiviating for folks, as has the opportunity to blog, and read other's blogs.

Successful experiment!

Thing #23

Know my way around Library to Go E-audio but have not sampled any wares yet. I'm a mac/ Itunes user so I can't play the audiobooks and I'm not at all tempted to read a book on my computer. Curious to give a kindle a whirl though. As soon as I do I'll try a download.

Thing # 22

I use Itunes to subscribe to a number of podcasts (several from the CBC). When I want to find postcasts on a given topic, Google remains my favourite tool.

Numero 21

Thing #20: Askaway

Toughest question I've yet received on Askaway (well, aside from the one where you get asked for a list of inventions from every stage of ancient Chinese/Egyptian history -- ok that one's more just time-consuming, and aggravating because after providing an exhaustive bounty of links you usually get, "can you find me some more?") was one I expected to be able to answer pretty quickly. I was asked the identity of someone occupying an important provincial office -- lieutenant governor, I think -- on a particular date in the early 1970's. I found the answer, but man, it took a lot of digging. Quirkiest question I've fielded on askaway: "Is there such a thing as 'library candy'?"

Thing #19: online databases

Our database menu looks a bit like patchwork quilt. But, very soon, when the new web site is launched, getting access to them will be a lot more straight forward. They'll be found in the Information Guides, which are subject based. Additionally, they'll be arranged under subject headings, so it will be a lot easier to know which database you should check out according to the research question you happen to be working on.

Thing #18: Office 2007

I'm still getting used to Word 2007, and continuing to lean heavily on the crutch of the Microsoft help pages and demos -- which are excellent.